Mountain climbing in L. a. Gomera – a 7 day itinerary

As some of the smallest and quietest of the Canary islands, L. a. Gomera gives a wild and unspoiled environment that’s splendid for nature fanatics. We spent every week mountain climbing in L. a. Gomera, and percentage our 7 day itinerary with main points of the most efficient walks, the place to stick and how you can get round. On this rugged panorama you’ll be able to be expecting steep climbs and descents, however you’ll be rewarded by means of gorgeous perspectives over the rocky sea coast and plush valleys.

What to anticipate when mountain climbing in L. a. Gomera

The centre of L. a. Gomera is roofed by means of the Garajonay Nationwide Park, the highlands at 1500m above sea stage being coated by means of safe laurel woodland that’s incessantly shrouded in mist. From this UNESCO Global Heritage web page, steep gorges or barrancos, minimize in the course of the rock, as river valleys make their option to the ocean. As a result of the terrain, you’ll in finding a mix of sheltered valleys clothed with palm bushes, stone terraces and cactus, blended with steep paths to ridges that provide shocking perspectives.

L. a. Gomera is a playground for the fairly are compatible to extra skilled walker, however having stated that you’ll be able to in finding routes which might be extra mild if you want. With the Canary Islands playing heat and sunshine all yr spherical, L. a. Gomera gives at ease strolling temperatures in most cases starting from 18-25 decrees Celcius, making it a really perfect spring, autumn and wintry weather mountain climbing vacation spot.

Lodging in L. a. Gomera

Whilst I like staying in boutique or luxurious motels, on my mountain climbing journeys I’m simply searching for a blank and at ease position to spend the evening. In L. a. Gomera, a lot of the lodging is in “Casa Rural” or modest visitor homes, that amply cater for the wishes of walkers. Accommodations akin to Val Gran Rey be offering lodging extra geared to vacation makers, however a lot of it’s somewhat priced.

An exception to my basic rule of reserving modest lodging for mountain climbing, is at first or finish of the go back and forth, the place it’s great to regard your self to one thing a bit of extra particular. The Parador at San Sebastián de los angeles Gomera or Lodge Jardin Tecina in Playa de Santiago are nice examples of motels the place you’ll be able to deal with your self to a little bit extra luxurious.

Arriving in L. a. Gomera

Most of the people will arrive for strolling in L. a. Gomera by way of the neighbouring island of Tenerife, the place there are a large number of world flights into Tenerife South airport. From right here it’s a 30 minute taxi or bus adventure to get to the port at Los Christianos, the place you’ll be able to get the ferry to L. a. Gomera (it’s so shut you’ll be able to see it). Two other ferry traces – Fred Olsen and Naviera Armas every run round 3 ferries an afternoon to and from L. a. Gomera. You’ll be able to in finding extra details about the bus and ferry timings on the finish of the thing.

The ferry to los angeles Gomera

We took an early flight from the United Kingdom to Tenerife, arriving round 11.30am. Arriving at Tenerife South airport within the morning is perfect, because it way you’ll be able to simply get the ferry to L. a. Gomera at the similar day. We took some of the common buses from Tenerife South Airport and were given off in Los Christianos half-hour later. From the bus forestall it was once a 15-20 minutes stroll to the ferry port.

As we had a few hours to attend till our ferry, we comfortable within the sunshine on the cafe “El Teatro del Puerto” which sells somewhat priced refreshments. For foot passengers there’s no wish to e book upfront because it’s simple to shop for tickets within the port’s departure centre, the place the price tag counters open round 1 hr ahead of the ferry leaves.

As soon as on board, there was once quite a few area to take a seat within or out of doors at the ferry. Because the ferry pulled away we loved the perspectives taking a look again at the south coast of Tenerife and the coming on the island capital of San Sebastian de los angeles Gomera.

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San Sebastián de los angeles Gomera – 1 evening – (day 1)

Our 2.30pm ferry from Los Christianos in Tenerife introduced us into L. a. Gomera at round 3.30pm and because the Parador the place we stayed was once at the best of the cliff, we took a taxi from the port to the lodge. The gardens of the Parador are so stunning that it was once tempting to chill out there and benefit from the swimming pool and the perspectives.

On the other hand, after settling in, we walked down into the small the town by way of the trail and had a go searching within the overdue afternoon. It’s an overly walkable position and after exploring the outdated the town, we discovered a chiringuito at the beachfront for dinner.

The place to stick in San Sebastián de los angeles Gomera

Staying on the Parador in San Sebastian was once a splurge at the beginning of our strolling vacation in L. a. Gomera, however person who we completely loved! The historically furnished rooms are set round inexperienced courtyards or glance out at the beautiful gardens.

We felt as though Christopher Columbus himself would possibly simply have set foot right here for a little bit little bit of paradise ahead of his exhausting adventure around the Atlantic. There’s an attractive swimming pool, courtyard bar, sublime eating place and breathtaking perspectives from the clifftops over the city and sea. Even supposing we took a taxi up from the port, strolling down from the Parador alongside a cobbled lane doesn’t take too lengthy, as soon as you understand how.

If you’re searching for less expensive motels in San Sebastian los angeles Gomera, then check out Lodge Apartmentos Villa Gomera, which is centrally situated within the the town itself, or test different motels and residences in San Sebastian de los angeles Gomera.

Automobile Rent Tip: You don’t want a automobile to get across the the town of San Sebastian itself, and parking might be a topic within the centre of San Sebastian (even if there’s parking on the Parador). So should you plan to rent a automobile for the remainder of the keep, you need to select it up as soon as you’re ready to depart San Sebastian.

Issues to do in San Sebastián de los angeles Gomera

L. a. Gomera’s capital has a in large part pedestrianised centre, making it simple to wander round. The oldest homes live to tell the tale from the 1440s when land was once granted to Spanish nobles, after the conquerers controlled to subdue the Guanche individuals who lived right here. San Sebastian may be very happy with its connections with Christopher Columbus who stopped right here in 1492 to tackle provides for his voyage to the “New Global’.

The principle issues to do come with:

• Sit down beneath the shady laurel bushes in Plaza de los angeles Charter and watch the sector move by means of from the cafe “Kiosco las Carabelas”
• Realize the statue within the plaza of Christopher Columbus and skim the guidelines forums in regards to the the town’s historical past.

• Wander up Calle Actual to the Inglesia de los angeles Asuncion, the city’s primary church which had simply been began when Christopher Columbus handed via. On the other hand, the successive injury by means of pirate assaults imply that the church you notice these days most commonly dates from the seventeenth century.
• At the nook reverse the church is L. a. Casa de los angeles Aguada, with a smartly within the courtyard the place Christopher Columbus historically drew water for his voyage. Nowadays it’s a vacationer knowledge centre, with to 1 aspect a fascinating exhibition in regards to the island and the significance of stone in its construction. It’s value selecting up a map of the L. a. Gomera mountain climbing trails on the vacationer knowledge centre.

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• Subsequent door is the Archaeology museum with details about the island’s first population, the guanches. At the similar boulevard and the within reach Calle Virgen de Guadalupe are some lovely outdated Canarian homes with the everyday carved wood doorways, shutters and balconies.
• A brief distance additional alongside Calle Actual is the small chapel Ermita de San Sebastian inbuilt 1450.

• Some of the the town’s primary landmarks is Torre del Conde, a fortified tower set in an open park. It was once inbuilt 1447 to shield towards the Guanche and proved helpful to Beatriz de Bobadilla, who sheltered there following the homicide of her husband the governor, till lend a hand arrived to place down the Guanche rise up.

Mountain climbing from San Sebastián de los angeles Gomera

Even supposing we didn’t use San Sebastian as a base for mountain climbing, if you wish to spend extra time right here, you’ll be able to check out the next walks. Guidebook direction numbers are proven for the L. a. Gomera Rother strolling information.

• A very easy coastal stroll from San Sebastian’s prom takes you to a sheltered bay at Playa de los angeles Guancha. (Guidebook direction 1)
• A downhill direction begins at Mirador Degollada de Peraza above the city, which may also be reached by means of bus or taxi, from the place you stroll downhill again into San Sebastian, with perspectives of Teide volcano on Tenerife. (Guidebook direction 6)

Agulo – 2 nights – (day 2 and three)

After our delightful evening on the Parador in San Sebastian, we moved directly to Agulo the place we had been to spend 2 nights. Buses aren’t very common, however Line 2 from San Sebastian bus station left at 10.30am and dropped us 40 mins later at Agulo. From there it was once a brief stroll in the course of the pedestrianised streets to our lodging, a Casa Rural that presented easy lodging for walkers.

The place to stick in Agulo

Agulo is a small and quite compact village, so maximum places will paintings smartly for walkers. On the other hand, you probably have a rent automobile you will have to test first what parking is to be had, because the streets are slim and parking is handiest allowed in sure portions of the village.

We stayed at Casa Rural Los Helechos which is perfect for walkers, because the lodging is in small residences set round a conventional courtyard. Even supposing breakfast is obtainable at an extra fee, we appreciated having our personal small kitchen / dwelling space. The homeowners had been additionally very useful in giving recommendation for walkers.

If Casa Rural Los Helechos isn’t to be had, you need to check out Casa Lugo Lodge Rural (even if this was once closed on the time of our consult with) or in a different way test probably the most different Casa Rural or residences in Agulo.

About Agulo in L. a. Gomera

Referred to as the prettiest village in L. a. Gomera, Agulo is made up of slim cobbled streets bordered by means of conventional homes. The atmosphere is bounded by means of a sheer cliff in entrance of which the village sits surrounded by means of fertile terraces, and perspectives in opposition to the ocean with Mount Teide within the distance.

The nineteenth century purchased a duration of prosperity to Agulo and with thriving banana exports, trendy advantages akin to electrical energy and phone traces, so the village was once referred to as the “bonbon of L. a. Gomera”, such was once its appeal as a spot to are living. Throughout this time, sexy homes had been constructed by means of the increasing center categories, with two tales, elaborate carved doorways and window shutters and wrought iron balconies.

Issues to do in Agulo

Puts of pastime to consult with in Agulo come with

• The church of San Marcos in the primary sq., with its placing rounded roof design. This church is if truth be told now not that outdated having been designed in 1911 over the web page of an previous church that had fallen into disrepair. It’s from this sq. throughout the pageant of San Marcos in April, that bonfires of juniper picket are lit and younger males bounce over the flames in honour of the saint.

• The principle factor to do within the village itself is to wander across the lovely streets to absorb the ambience, and chill out in some of the the town’s cafes or conventional eating places. We ate in L. a. Vieja Escuela and Bar Restaurante Alameda, either one of which serve tasty Canarian specialties.

• From Agulo you’ll be able to stroll to the coast to peer the stays of an outdated davit or crane that was once used to load boats with bananas, even if it was once destroyed by means of a typhoon within the Nineteen Fifties.
• Additionally from the village you’ll be able to stroll to the seashore at Playa de San Marco, the place there’s a lovely chapel. It’s a excellent picnic spot even if the waves are too tough to swim right here.
• If you wish to get probably the most impressive perspectives you’ll be able to hike or power as much as the Mirador Abrante perspective the place there’s a tumbler viewing platform, for perspectives over Agulo and Mount Teide in Tenerife.

Mountain climbing from Agulo

There are a couple of other walks that may be undertaken from Agulo, justifying a keep of 2-3 nights. As a substitute, you need to use the nearest village of Hermigua as an lodging base for 2-3 nights, which gives you get admission to to other walks. Guidebook direction numbers are proven for the L. a. Gomera Rother strolling information.

Day 2 – Agulo to Pescante and Playa de San Marcos

Having travelled that morning from San Sebastian to Agulo by means of bus, we settled into our lodging after which opted for a shorter stroll for the afternoon. This stroll took us via cultivated terraces in opposition to the coast, main downhill to Pescante, with a boulder strewn seashore and slipway for fishing boats.

Via the aspect of the trail, outdated wood boats had been being saved, even if it gave the impression some distance too tough to place out to sea, let by myself take a swim. A little bit additional we reached the ruins of the constructions that had been used when this was once a loading space to export bananas. Within the nineteenth century, a davit or crane was once used to load plants into boats, even if handiest the stone pillars that supported the crane stay.

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Retracing our steps as much as the village, we took a distinct trail across the headland, and down a rocky path in opposition to the seashore of San Marcos.

There are lovely perspectives over the cove and the chapel, which is used throughout the pageant of San Marcos in April. As a part of the festivities, the saint’s statue is paraded right down to the chapel from the city sq.. The ocean is simply too tough to swim right here however there’s a picnic spot with benches and tables.

Timings – Agulo to Pescante and again 1 hr 30 minutes. Agulo to Playa de San Marcos and again 1 hr 45 minutes. (Guidebook Path 58)

Day 3 – Agulo to Centro de Visitantes Juego de Bolas

In this complete day’s strolling we took a harder direction, at once up the cliff at the back of Agulo to the Mirador de Abrante, which is referred to as some of the absolute best hikes in los angeles Gomera. Whilst the cliff stroll was once difficult, with steep drops in puts, it was once simple to observe with stone steps and rewarded us with wonderful perspectives over the city of Agulo and Mount Teide within the distance. On the best, a stone pillar marked the Mirador de Agulo and from right here the incline was once extra mild, via grass and outdated terraces, hiking as much as the easiest level on the Mirador de Abrante.

Visiting the Mirador is referred to as some of the absolute best issues to do in L. a. Gomera, however annoyingly it was once closed (in spite of it being inside opening hours) so we had forgo the drink within the cafe we were taking a look ahead to. As a substitute we climbed up at the eroded ridge above the Mirador and adopted the trail and marker poles via shrubs and woodland. We arrived on the Juego de Bolas, some of the customer centres for the Garajonay Nationwide Park, even if it sits out of doors the park itself.

Juego de Bolas Customer Centre

It’s simple to spend a nice hour on the customer centre, which could also be a well-liked forestall if you’re travelling by means of automobile. Surrounding the centre is a botanical lawn, with spaces appearing local shrubs and bushes in addition to beds planted with the medicinal vegetation used on L. a. Gomera.

On the Casa de los angeles Memoria or “Space of Recollections” we discovered an ethnographic museum, the place we watched a captivating movie, providing insights at the cultural heritage of l. a. Gomera. We realized in regards to the Silbo whistling language, that was once used to be in contact throughout deep ravines, how pottery was once historically made and the way the sap of palm bushes is tapped to make palm honey.

Adjacent the “Space of Recollections” is a chain of small retail outlets and exhibitions across the courtyard. On the knowledge centre, we picked up a map of the Garajonay Nationwide Park in addition to a L. a. Gomera mountain climbing map, with all of the strolling trails and were given precious knowledge from the park wardens. In the similar space is a restaurant promoting espresso and snacks in addition to native meals specialties, a memento store and an exhibition in regards to the horrible woodland fires of 2012 that destroyed huge spaces of the Garajonay woodland reserve.

Juego de Bolas again to Agulo

A round direction would have taken us again on a distinct trail, following the Barranco de las Rosas. On the other hand a landslide had closed this trail, so we retraced our steps to the Mirador de Abrante after which made a brief detour to peer the reservoir Embalase de Agulo. From right here, it was once backpedal the cliff trail, playing the overdue afternoon perspectives over Agulo.

Timings: The entire stroll took us round 7 hours, together with a protracted forestall for lunch at Juego de Bolas and a leisure at Mirador de Abrante. Within the information e book the round direction without a leisure stops is given at 3 hrs 30 minutes. (Guidebook Path 59)

Vallehermoso – 2 nights – (day 4 and 5)

After a 2d evening in Agulo we moved directly to Vallehermoso, taking a taxi within the morning to avoid wasting time and make allowance us to do an extended stroll that day. The price of the taxi was once round €25. Shall we even have taken the Line 2 bus that runs from San Sebastian to Vallehermosos by way of Agulo, leaving San Sebastian at 10.30am arriving Vallehermoso round 12.00.

If I used to be to make a choice only one location to base myself for mountain climbing on L. a. Gomera, it could be Vallehermoso. Actually that means “Gorgeous Valley” there are a large number of walks that may be simply accessed from the city. Watered by means of the industry winds, the plants right here is luxurious with palm groves and terraces for bananas and different plants. The rocky landmark of Roques de Cano towers over the city, which has a nice central sq. and helpful facilities akin to eating places, banks and retail outlets.

The place to stick in Vallehermoso

Vallehermoso isn’t a large the town, so maximum puts to stick which might be quite central shall be effective in relation to location for walkers. Like different puts we stayed, parking is proscribed inside the the town and streets may also be slim, so test along with your lodging should you plan to be travelling by means of automobile. We beloved our keep in Lodge Rural Triana and it was once the nicest position we stayed in this go back and forth except for the Parador.

The rooms are organized round an inner courtyard, and the decor of rooms and public spaces is trendy and fresh. A distinct point out has to visit the very good breakfast with an ideal unfold of prime quality pieces and barista taste espresso.

The workforce had been very type and useful, going above and past to make sure we had an ideal keep. One level to notice is that like many smaller rural motels, there isn’t a 24 hour reception and workforce depart within the afternoon, however are on name by means of telephone if required.

For those who in finding no availability in Lodge Rural Triana, test for different motels in Vallehermoso. On the other hand, remember that there aren’t such a lot of choices within the the town, making an allowance for its recognition as a centre for walkers, so it’s absolute best to e book early, as Lodge Rural Triana is the most suitable option we discovered.

If you’re searching for a great spot to devour, we will be able to suggest Tasca Restaurante el Carraca, which is well the most efficient eating place on the town – they serve all of the native specialties and their contemporary tuna fillet was once wonderful!

Issues to do in Vallehermoso

Whilst there are older conventional homes to be present in Vallehermoso, the ambience is of a operating Canarian the town, the place the locals emerge within the overdue afternoon for a walk and chat with their neighbours. Like the remainder of L. a. Gomera, there’s now not a lot in the best way of ‘attractions’ to consult with, however if you’re searching for issues to do we advise;

• At the fringe of the town within the course of Playa de Vallehermoso is the Descumbrimiento de Vallehermoso Botanic Lawn, stuffed with fingers and local species, with a contemporary customer centre. The lawn was once closed once we handed, the indicators proclaiming {that a} main govt funded renovation is underway. On the other hand, I’ve heard experiences that there’s not anything to prevent you wandering in via a facet front to have a look, so could also be value testing.
• Even supposing the ocean at Playa de Vallehermoso is most often too tough for swimming, there’s a seawater swimming pool in entrance of the seashore, with converting rooms and lifeguard, which is loose to consult with. We stopped there for a drink on the trailer cafe beside the swimming pool and my buddy loved her swim there.
• At the GM-1 highway out of the town within the course of Agulo, there’s the Mirador El Almendrillo set underneath Roques de Cano, which supplies some very good perspectives over the city.

Mountain climbing from Vallehermoso

The principle appeal of Vallehermoso is the city’s location on the confluence of a number of valleys, providing a large number of mountain climbing probabilities. We attempted one of the well-liked L. a. Gomera strolling routes to Cumbre de Chijere at the first day and on the second one we took the bus into Garajonay Nationwide Park, to stroll a number of the island’s well-known misty laurel forests. On the other hand, there are lots of different mountain climbing routes that will justify staying for a number of days in Vallehermoso you probably have sufficient time. Guidebook direction numbers are proven for the L. a. Gomera Rother strolling information.

Day 4 – Vallehermoso to Cumbre de Chijere

The round day hike that we made to Cumbre de Chijere was once one among my favourites of the entire go back and forth. Our stroll took us at once from the city sq. up the Barranco de los angeles Technology Nueva. As we climbed incessantly up alongside the valley aspect, we handed deserted terraces and noticed the plants alternate from palm and scrubby timber to cactus and succulents.

In the end close to the highest of the ridge, a balcony trail gave us some fantastic perspectives backpedal the valley in opposition to Vallehermoso. A little bit additional and we arrived at Ermita de Santa Clara, a big chapel set on a work of flat flooring with perspectives in opposition to the ocean and the remoted hamlet of Arguamel. We spent some time mesmerised by means of the white flecks at the sea, looking to wager in the event that they had been dolphins or the local pilot whales that swim in those waters.

From right here the monitor persisted at the aspect of the Cumbre de Chijere ridge with extra perspectives over the ocean and crashing waves.

A layer of cloud was once settling down as we arrived at the second one chapel, Ermita de Coromoto the place we sheltered from the wind along side the construction for our picnic lunch. Now not a lot additional was once the breezy Buenavista perspective and from right here we grew to become down a stony path that will deliver us down from the ridge to sea stage at Playa de Vallehermoso.

The monitor was once so steep that it required all our focus, however we had been rewarded by means of stunning perspectives over the valley and coast beneath, arriving in any case on the highway.

From right here a brief stroll took us right down to the seashore and the saltwater swimming swimming pools the place we had a drink on the cafe and my buddy took a swim. By the point we left right here, the rain was once atmosphere in so we opted to stroll again into Vallehermoso alongside the street, moderately than the trail that runs parallel to it.

Timings: The entire stroll took us 5 hours from Vallehermoso to Playa de Valleyhermoso, now not together with the overtime we took on the swimming pool and strolling again into the town. The guidebook timing for this stroll is 5 hours. (Guidebook Path 54)

Day 5 – Laguna Grande to Alto de Garajonay

For our 2d day in Vallehermoso, we determined to take the bus to discover the Garajonay Nationwide Park on the centre of the island. The park is understood for its laurel forests which might be incessantly shrouded in mist and was once declared a UNESCO Global Heritage Web page in 1986. Attending to our place to begin on the Laguna Grande Customer centre from Vallehermoso proved a bit of of a logistical problem!

We took the Line 8 bus at 9.30am to Valle Gran Rey which dropped us on the junction with the GM-2 highway operating in the course of the park. Since there have been no buses at the moment operating within the course of Laguna Grande, we walked alongside the street for an additional 1.5 hours ahead of attaining the customer centre. Whilst we had been strolling along the woodland, with occasional perspectives, looking back I want we had taken a taxi to our place to begin to avoid wasting time and steer clear of the stroll on a hectic highway.

Arriving at Laguna Grande Customer Centre, we checked on the knowledge level on the most efficient walks to take to achieve the easiest top within the park at Alto de Garajonay. For those who don’t have already got one, that is where to select up a map of the park, appearing all of the mountain climbing trails. You’ll be able to additionally obtain a map and different details about trails from the Garajonay site.

There’s additionally a restaurant eating place right here and an open box with youngsters’s playground. A large number of brief, round strolling trails are to be had inside the park, with small parking spaces, which might be smartly signposted and most often with reference to the GM-2 primary highway that runs in the course of the park. We determined to stroll the direction 6 and direction 14 walks, that sign up for in combination to take you to the height at Alto de Garajonay.

It was once simple strolling alongside huge, open paths in the course of the woodland, and with stops to select ripe blackberries, I felt every now and then that I may have been walking in the course of the English nation-state. For far of the best way the stroll was once cloudy and every now and then the mist swirled above and round us, perpetually transferring to show glimpses of blue sky.

As we were given nearer to Alto de Garajonay, we loved some open perspectives in opposition to the unique Fortaleza rock formation within the distance with reference to Chipude, taking a look over the low woodland of Heather and Laurel bushes.

In the end we made the climb as much as the rounded top of Alto de Garajonay, however unfortunately discovered any perspectives obscured by means of the mist. This crest was once a meeting position for the Guanche and regarded as of spiritual importance, so a flat stony space has been built to recreate how it could have regarded for the Guanche.

Whilst we may have returned the similar approach, we opted for a go back direction that ran parallel to the street, which whilst now not as lovely, was once a lot shorter. From Laguna Grande we rang for a taxi to take us again to Vallehermoso (value €30). As buses don’t run steadily, should you don’t have a rent automobile, remember to have the numbers of a couple of native taxi corporations whilst you move strolling within the Garajonay Nationwide Park.

Extra details about Garajonay Nationwide Park, map to obtain and main points of trails may also be discovered at the Garajonay site.

Timings: The round stroll from Laguna Grande to Alto Garajonay and again took us 4 hours, now not together with the time we took to stroll to Laguna Grande. (Guidebook Path 70)

Valle Gran Rey – 1 evening – (day 6)

After a 2d evening in Vallehermoso, it was once time to transport directly to our ultimate forestall at Valle Gran Rey. We took the Line 8 bus at 9.30am to Valle Gran Rey and by means of mid morning had checked into our lodging. Positioned at the south coast of L. a. Gomera, Valle Gran Rey is without doubt one of the sunniest spots at the island, and the most well liked vacation lodge, particularly with German guests. The lodge become well-liked as a hippie vacation spot for German travellers within the Sixties and also you’ll really feel the boho vibe, with many German expats nonetheless dwelling in the neighborhood.

The place to stick in Valle Gran Rey

Valle Gran Rey is predominantly a vacation lodge, however there are some excellent choices for round walks, or a method walks that result in Valle Gran Rey. Even supposing we handiest spent 1 evening right here, you need to spend longer if you wish to have a extra enjoyable time on the finish of your go back and forth. One factor we discovered about Valle Gran Rey was once that many puts have a three evening and even 5 evening minimal keep, so that is something to believe to your collection of lodging.

Lodging is clustered round Playa de los angeles Calera which is furthest from the port and any other cluster is across the Vueltas neighbourhood across the port and the roads main into it. The industrial centre, with bus station and taxi rank is situated a little bit up the hill, clear of the seashore.

We had been proud of our collection of Apartmentos Charco del Conde, which we had been ready to e book for simply 1 evening. It’s a big complicated of small residences that omit the central pool or beachfront, and was once only a 10 minute from the port. The workforce in reception had been pleasant and useful and even if the decor was once a little bit dated, it was once splendid for a brief keep.

There are many eating places to make a choice from alongside the ocean entrance or within the aspect streets and we ate at a chiringuito (fish eating place) close to Playa de los angeles Calera.

Issues to do in Valle Gran Rey

Whilst it’s principally a vacation lodge, Valle Gran Rey has quite a few walks that get started with reference to the city, however you want a rent automobile or taxi to get to the beginning issues. Bus routes do exist however they’re restricted and didn’t paintings for our timings. Within the lodge itself, the primary sights come with:

• There are a number of black sand seashores, with transparent water and rock swimming pools for bathing and sunbathing.
• Boat journeys run from Valle Gran Rey to identify dolphins and whales, in addition to to consult with the Los Organos rock formations, taking a look like organ pipes at the cliffs, that may handiest be seen from the ocean.
• There are lots of corporations that hire motorcycles or organise trekking days out, which might be helpful should you don’t have your personal delivery.
• At the highway above the city is the Cesar Manrique designed glance out level, which was once closed once we handed by means of, however you’ll be able to have a look from the out of doors.
• A craft marketplace takes position on Sundays, promoting in the neighborhood made items and souvenirs, which is situated subsequent to the bus station.

Mountain climbing from Valle Gran Rey

After settling into our lodging in Valle Gran Rey, we took a taxi mid morning from the taxi rank close to the bus station, to El Cercado (value round €30). We had been dropped on the Centro de Interpretation Las Loceras, a fascinating loose museum in regards to the native pottery this is nonetheless made on this space.

Up to now, pottery was once made in different places round L. a. Gomera and traded between cities, to be used as cooking pots and meals garage. There are a number of pottery retail outlets in El Cercado, however being Sunday they had been all closed, so we stopped for a drink within the native cafe ahead of beginning our stroll.

From El Cercado, we took a very easy trail via terraced fields stuffed with cactus and prickly pears, crossing the street at issues, to the within reach the town of Chipude. On the the town’s primary sq. we had a glance within the lovely church of Nuestra Senora de L. a. Candalaria and had been tempted to prevent on the busy eating place of Lodge Bar Sonia, serving hearty Sunday lunch dishes to appreciative locals.

From Chipude, the trail skirted the aspect of the valley, with open perspectives in the beginning after which descending right into a hidden valley space referred to as L. a. Mantanza, which was once used prior to now as pasturage. We noticed palm bushes and vines as we adopted the gorgeous, steep sided valley, with water swimming pools at its backside alongside an outdated cement irrigation channel.

On the finish of the valley, the trail took us upwards on a ten minute detour to the chapel of Ermita de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe perched at the spur of Roque de Gurara. After resting for a picnic right here, we persisted down an more and more steep trail, at once into the valley backside above Valle Gran Rey.

The final segment was once on a precarious rocky trail with steep drops requiring our complete focus, so we had been rather exhausted by the point we reached the Ermita de los Reyes on the backside of the valley after which adopted the street down into Valle Gran Rey.

Timings: The stroll from Chipude to the street above Valle Gran Rey took 4 hrs with an additional 50 minutes to stroll from El Cercade to Chipude and 30 minutes to stroll from the street in Valle Gran Rey again to our lodging. We additionally took 20 minutes for a forestall on the chapel. The information e book time for the Chipude to Valle Gran Rey stroll is 3 hrs 10 minutes (Guidebook Path 25)

The Ferry from Valle Gran Rey to San Sebastian in L. a. Gomera (day 7)

Our ultimate day was once spent at the go back adventure again to Tenerife, from the place we might be flying house tomorrow. Since all of the ferries from L. a. Gomera to Tenerife get started at San Sebastian, we would have liked first shuttle there from Valle Gran Rey. There are buses (Line 1) from Valle Gran Rey to San Sebastian, however we determined on a rather sooner and extra scenic direction of travelling by means of ferry.

There are two sailings in keeping with day with Fred Olson from Valle Gran Rey to San Sebastian, with a forestall at Playa de Santiago. We took the morning crusing at 8.00am and even if the elements was once very misty, we had been nonetheless ready to peer a large number of the rugged sea coast.

It takes 40 minutes to achieve Playa de Santiago, with a ten min forestall, then an additional 20 minutes to reach in San Sebastian, making a complete adventure time of 70 minutes. The ferry may be very pleased with a decrease enclosed deck and an higher outdoor deck.

The ferry from L. a. Gomera to Tenerife (day 7)

On arrival in San Sebastian, we nonetheless had a few hours to attend ahead of our ferry at 11.30 am and as we had been travelling gentle, we walked the ten mins from the port to the sq. of San Sebastian, to chill out for some time within the cafe beneath the laurel bushes. We had was hoping to take a look across the archaeology museum and the exhibition within the vacationer knowledge centre, however unfortunately each had been closed because of it being a neighborhood vacation.

The go back ferry adventure to Tenerife handed easily and even if the elements was once rather cloudy, we had been ready to take a seat at the out of doors deck and noticed some dolphins at the crossing. Arriving again to the port of Los Christianos in Tenerife, we walked a brief distance to the lodging that we had booked for our 1 evening keep ahead of flying house tomorrow. In idea, we may have stuck a day flight out of Tenerife, however the place ferries are involved it’s at all times absolute best to depart a bit of of margin, as once in a while ferries may also be cancelled because of dangerous climate.

Within the afternoon, we had been ready to walk alongside the seashore prom that runs from Los Christianos, via all of the different lodge spaces, having lunch in a beachfront cafe and most often enjoyable within the sunshine.

Our ultimate evening in Tenerife

For our ultimate evening we simply sought after someplace to chill out that was once with reference to the port of Los Christianos the place our ferry would arrive. Apartmentos Marola Portosin is a standard vacation condominium complicated, with a central pool space that’s a fifteen minute stroll from the port. The condominium was once spacious with a view over the pool, a small kitchenette and useful reception workforce, so we had been proud of our selection.

On the other hand, coming from the unspoiled and quiet environment of L. a. Gomera, the top focus of concrete vacation residences, busy site visitors and sheer quantity of folks got here as rather a surprise! The south coast of Tenerife is closely evolved, with one lodge mixing into the following and goals at a package deal vacation marketplace.

So if you need someplace that has a extra original Spanish really feel for a brief keep ahead of flying house, I’d suggest you are taking a taxi to El Medano, which is 20 mins by means of automobile from Los Christianos port. As it’s handiest 10 mins by means of taxi from the Tenerife Airport South, El Medano is perfect you probably have a flight to catch.

El Medano is Tenerife’s most well liked location for surfers and windsurfers, with quite a few affordable surf hostels. If you need someplace a bit of smarter on your final evening I’d suggest Lodge Medano, which is true at the seafront, or test all of the motels and residences in El Medano for extra choices. There are many bars and eating places and a few black sand seashores, one among which is rather sheltered for swimming, the opposite extra windy and utilized by the windsurfers.

Extra time in L. a. Gomera?

Do you will have extra time than only one week? Fortunate you! I’d have thankfully spent a couple of extra days strolling in L. a. Gomera. If strolling is your primary focal point I’d most probably spend an additional day in Vallehermoso and upload 2 nights in Hermigua. So a ten day itinerary in L. a. Gomera would possibly appear to be this;

• 1 evening San Sebastian, 2 nights Hermigua, 2 nights Agulo, 3 nights Vallehermoso, 1 evening Valle Gran Rey, 1 evening Tenerife ahead of your flight.

Or most likely you handiest have 5 days? We discovered the most efficient places to base your self purely for mountain climbing had been Agulo, Hermigua and Vallehermoso. So should you sought after to make a 5 day go back and forth you need to do;

• 2 nights Agulo or Hermigua, 2 nights Vallehermoso, 1 evening San Sebastian or Tenerife ahead of flying house.

When you’ve got simply 3 nights, most likely combining some mountain climbing in L. a. Gomera with a go back and forth to Tenerife, I’d spend all of them in Vallehermoso, taking a bus or taxi to get there from San Sebastian.

Getting round L. a. Gomera

Within the Canary Islands, buses are referred to as Guaguas. You’ll be able to in finding knowledge on bus routes in Tenerife at the Titsa.com site and for L. a. Gomera at the site Guaguagomera.com. Whilst buses are common on Tenerife, the buses in L. a. Gomera handiest run every direction 3-4 occasions an afternoon, so we discovered that they had been of restricted use to get to strolling trails. Buses between cities most often value €2-4 a method.

We used a mixture of bus and taxi, and whilst the taxi prices had been rather top (€20-30) because of the distances, it was once general less expensive (and extra environmentally pleasant) than renting a automobile. If you wish to get probably the most out of a brief go back and forth, you need to believe renting a automobile, as maximum hikes are round, and this may increasingly allow you to to achieve the direction beginning issues with minimal lengthen. The in the neighborhood primarily based Cicar automobile rent corporate have an place of business on the San Sebastian port, or test with Vacation Vehicles to check automobile condominium offers.

There are two ferry traces that make common crossings from Tenerife to L. a. Gomera and you’ll be able to in finding main points of crossings at the Fred Olsen site and the Naviera Armas site. Fred Olsen additionally run the ferry alongside the coast of L. a. Gomera from San Sebastian to Playa de Santiago and Valle Gran Rey.

Mountain climbing information for L. a. Gomera

We used and will extremely suggest the strolling guidebook – L. a. Gomera, the best coastal and mountain walks, printed by means of Rother, authors Klaus Wolfsperger and Annette Miehle-Wolfsperger. You’ll be able to additionally select up a map of the mountain climbing trails in L. a. Gomera at any vacationer knowledge place of business, then again those don’t give a lot element in regards to the strolling routes.

We propose this information, which we used for all of our walks as a result of:

• It gives 70 other walks in los angeles Gomera, and tells you which of them may also be joined in combination to make longer walks.
• The walks are smartly listed by means of place to begin and problem, and there’s a listing of the 14 absolute best walks in los angeles Gomera.
• There are transparent directions, maps and pictures for every stroll.
• There’s an invaluable however now not overwhelming quantity of alternative knowledge on delivery, natural world, and the puts you’ll cross via.
• If you’re a German speaker, the information could also be to be had in German.

If you’re not able to reserve the Rother L. a. Gomera strolling information, a excellent selection is the Cicerone information to Strolling in los angeles Gomera and Hierro.

Additional info to devise your go back and forth

You’ll be able to in finding additional knowledge to devise your go back and forth at the L. a. Gomera Tourism site and at the Canary Islands Tourism site.

Extra details about Garajonay Nationwide Park, a map to obtain and main points of trails may also be discovered at the Garajonay site.

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This newsletter is at first printed at Heatheronhertravels.com